The Digest:
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to meet its 8:30 am scheduled kick-off for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council election on Saturday, with sensitive materials yet to leave Registration Area Centres (RACs) as of 9 am. At Lugbe Primary School RAC Centre, sensitive materials remained at the centre while police and security agencies were still organising themselves. The Supervisor of Lugbe RAC Centre confirmed they were still "trying to fix things and ensure the safe departure of sensitive materials to the appropriate polling units." Voting may not start by 10 am in many Lugbe polling units, despite INEC's earlier assurance. The delay affects over 1.68 million registered voters across the FCT's six area councils in what is the first major test of the Electoral Act 2026.
Key Points:
- The delay disenfranchises voters who arrived early, potentially reducing turnout.
- It raises questions about INEC's logistical preparedness for the larger 2027 elections.
- Voters face frustration and waiting, while electoral officials scramble to deploy.
- This signals that despite the new Electoral Act, old logistical challenges persist.
- The timing, early morning, could affect the entire day's schedule.
Sources: Daily Post Nigeria, INEC
